The Orchard appoints Chris Hardy, expands in Canada

He joins The Orchard from Sony Music Canada, where he held the title of director of distributed labels. He will report to The Orchard’s COO Colleen Theis.

Hardy will lead The Orchard’s expanded Canadian operations, overseeing a team based in Toronto that will be focused on further growing the company’s business in the country. Hardy's responsibilities will include driving regional strategy, artist and label management, acquisitions, physical and digital sales, and business development.

The Orchard’s new Toronto office will provide distribution services and solutions to independent artists and labels based in Canada, as well as serving as the local marketer for The Orchard’s other labels from around the world.

“We are very proud to have Chris lead our expansion in Canada,” said Theis. “He has a wealth of sales and distribution experience, including his leadership of an impressive distributed label business within Sony Music Canada. Now, he is bringing that local expertise to bear alongside The Orchard’s distribution platform, toolset and global sales & marketing staff to empower Canada’s independent labels and artists.”

"I am excited to be working with Colleen and The Orchard team,” said Hardy. “I have been working very closely with The Orchard over the past two years and what quickly became obvious to me is that both the platform and the people are industry leaders. The combination of global reach and team allows us to simplify our label partners business internationally with best in class service."